Hidimbha

Aneel Kanneganti's 2023 Telugu thriller Hidimbha attempts to deliver a unique blend of serial killer investigation and elements of tribal horror, delving into themes of cannibalism and ancient lineage. Starring Ashwin Babu and Nandita Swetha as the lead police officers, Abhay and Aadhya, the film sets out to unravel the mystery behind a series of missing girls in Hyderabad, all of whom share a disturbing commonality: they were wearing red dresses.

The film's initial premise is intriguing, promising a dark and mysterious ride. The disappearances of girls, the involvement of a special officer, and the hint of something far more sinister than a typical serial killer create an air of suspense. The narrative aims to build tension as the police force struggles to piece together the clues, eventually leading them to a remote, tribal context and the titular "Hidimbha" clan. This shift from an urban crime thriller to a more primal, almost mythological horror element is where the film tries to differentiate itself.

However, Hidimbha's ambition often outstrips its execution. While the concept of an aboriginal clan with cannibalistic tendencies is certainly novel for Telugu cinema, the screenplay struggles to fully integrate these disparate elements. The first half of the film, focusing on the police investigation, often feels conventional and at times, suffers from a lack of genuine thrills or compelling character development for its leads. The relationship between Abhay and Aadhya, former lovers, feels underdeveloped and doesn't add much emotional weight to the escalating crisis.

The film truly leans into its unique premise in the second half, particularly during the flashback sequences that delve into the history and practices of the Hidimbha tribe. These portions, while visually engaging and offering some of the film's more gruesome moments, also highlight the narrative's struggle with logical coherence. The abrupt shifts in tone and the reliance on twists, some of which are not entirely unpredictable, can leave the audience feeling disoriented rather than genuinely shocked.

A major point of contention in critical reception has been the film's handling of its central twist - the revelation of the true antagonist. While designed to be a shocking reveal, it often raises more questions than it answers, undermining some of the earlier established plotlines and character motivations. The film attempts to connect the modern-day crimes with ancient practices and personal vendettas, but the bridge between these two timelines often feels tenuous and forced.

Performances in Hidimbha are a mixed bag. Ashwin Babu, in an action-heavy role, shows physical commitment but at times struggles with the emotional depth required for his character. Nandita Swetha, as Aadhya, is given a more substantial role and tries to ground the film with her earnest performance, but even her efforts can't fully overcome the script's inconsistencies. Makarand Deshpande, in a key negative role, stands out, delivering a menacing presence that adds much-needed intensity.

Ultimately, Hidimbha is a film with a genuinely interesting concept that unfortunately falters in its execution. It attempts to weave together a complex tapestry of crime, mythology, and horror, but the threads often unravel due to a disjointed screenplay, logical loopholes, and an uneven pace. While it offers a few engaging moments and some genuinely unsettling visuals, particularly in its more gruesome sequences, it ultimately falls short of its ambitious potential, leaving viewers with a sense of a daring attempt that didn't quite hit its mark.

"Hidimbha," directed by Aneel Kanneganti, is an interesting Telugu thriller that combines history with suspense. In the 2-hour-16-minute film, we follow the story of Abhay (Ashwin Babu) and Aadhya (Nandita Swetha), two investigators in Hyderabad, as they try to solve a series of kidnappings with a connection to India's past.

Ashwin Babu plays Abhay, a character with a hidden history, and Nandita Swetha is convincing as Aadhya, a cop dealing with childhood trauma. The chemistry between the main characters adds emotion to the story.

Supported by a talented cast, including Srinivasa Reddy, Vidyullekha Raman, and Makarand Deshpande, the film keeps the suspense high. Director Aneel Kanneganti skillfully blends thriller, action, and history.

The cinematography by Raja Sekar looks great, and Vikas Badisa's music and Kalyan Chakravarthy's dialogues enhance the overall experience.

As the investigation unfolds, the film surprises by linking the crimes to a tribal community with a dark past related to the 1857 revolt. This revelation adds depth to the story. The climax, where we learn about Abhay's connection to the criminal, is both shocking and emotional.

While the film has a few predictable moments and loose ends, "Hidimbha" succeeds in offering a mix of history, crime, and personal drama. It provides a fresh take on historical events, making it a noteworthy addition to the thriller genre.

In conclusion, "Hidimbha" is a recommended watch for thriller fans who enjoy a unique story that combines history with intense suspense. The engaging plot, strong performances, and visual appeal make it stand out in the genre.

Overall, Hidimbha presents itself as an action-packed thriller with some thrilling moments. The intriguing backdrop adds to its appeal, although it suffers from a lackluster narration in the first half. The movie gains momentum only during the pre-interval portions, and the second hour provides some engaging sequences. However, it falters in maintaining logical consistency at times, which significantly diminishes its overall impact. Moreover, the film's intense violence may not resonate well with all types of viewers. Consequently, Hidimbha ends up being a passable choice for your weekend movie watch.

The story started very well but eventually it gets worse and Acting wasn't that good.

I wonder how this got this much imdb rating.

If you are just entertainment lover and want to pass time without any expectation then you can watch it.

The Finishing climax wasn't expected but what base was good.

The direction could be better, acting could be better.

In conclusion, "Unveiling Hidimbha's Legacy" possesses a strong foundation that, with improvements in direction, acting, and attention to detail, has the potential to be a captivating cinematic experience. By embracing the richness of its mythological roots and addressing technical and narrative shortcomings, the film can earn the acclaim it aspires to.

I would like to take a moment to express my heartfelt congratulations on the remarkable success of movie *HIDIMBHA* . Seeing that vision come to life on the big screen and receiving such positive feedback from audiences and critics alike is truly a testament.

The countless hours that spent meticulously planning every shot, carefully selecting the cast, and tirelessly editing and re-editing until every scene was just right. Have undoubtedly paid off, as the final product is nothing short of a masterpiece.

Beyond the technical aspects of filmmaking, what resonates most with me is the emotional depth and thought-provoking messages woven throughout your movie. The Director had an innate ability to capture the complexities of human emotions and bring them to life on screen, allowing viewers to empathize with the characters and contemplate on deeper themes.